UFC ON ESPN 48: Sean Strickland vs Abus Magomedov 07/01/2023 Fight Preview, Picks and Predictions

UFC ON ESPN 48: Strickland vs Magomedov 07/01/2023 – Middleweight fighters Sean Strickland and Abus Magomedov clash in the main event of UFC on ESPN 48 that will have major implications in the 185-pound category moving forward. Strickland returns to his usual weight class, several months after making a successful debut in the light heavyweight division. Magomedov, on the other hand, aims to follow up on his 19-second knockout win in his last outing and prove he is one of the top guys in the category. The American holds a distinct advantage in UFC experience, which MMA fight odds see as a factor in betting for Strickland. But Magomedov has the striking ability and excellent fight record that will nullify the lack of octagon experience in this five-round clash.

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Main Card

Sean Strickland

After two straight losses to Jared Cannonier and Alex Pereira, Strickland (26-5, 13-5 UFC) roared back to the winning column by defeating Nassourdine Imavov in his first bout in the light heavyweight division. The fighter known as “Tarzan” dominated Imavov en route to a 49-46 49-46 48-47 unanimous decision victory. The former King of the Cage middleweight champion loses 20 pounds and comes back in his usual weight division as he restarts his quest to become the UFC 185-pound king. Strickland has the hands to knockout opponents as evidenced to 10 KO wins in his career.

The New Bern, North Carolina native, who is fighting out of Anaheim, California, can also force tapouts with four submission victories. He has yet to lose by submission but has two knockout losses. Strickland’s 18-fight experience in the UFC will be a factor in this encounter and he will use this to outclass Magomedov, who will only make his second fight in the octagon. The American has landed 5.76 significant strikes per minute and absorbed 4.25/minute. Strickland’s significant strike connection rate is 41% while his defense rate is 63%. Tarzan is also a good grappler with a 1.04 takedowns per minute average and a 64% accuracy rate. His takedown defense rate is also excellent at 85% and his submission average is 0.23 per 15 minutes.

Abus Magomedov

Magomedov (25-4-1, 1-0 UFC) had an impressive resume before stepping in the octagon. He fought in the Professional Fighters League where he went 3-1-1. In his debut match in the octagon, the Russian needed just 19 seconds to dispose Dustin Stoltzfus in September last year. In his career so far, Magomedov had 20 stoppages under his name and 14 of them were by knockout and the rest were submissions.

He can also last the full route as seven of his fights ended by decision, including five wins. The 32-year-old has averaged 22.11 significant strikes per minute in his only UFC match and has a 100% significant strike rate. He is also perfect in defense and has not allowed a strike to graze his body. Since the fight ended quick, Magomedov’s grappling skills were not needed as he used his hands to stop Stoltzfus.